A historical overview about candidiasis was provided herein. The main causal pathogens of candidiasis are C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis
, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae, C. guilliermonndii, C. kefyr , C. utilis, C. inconspicua, C. rugosa and C. catenulata. There are also few Candida spp. involved in human infection in only immunocompromized patients. The pathogenicity of Candida spp. are due to ability to adhere smooth tissue surfaces, biofilm formation and production of many virulence factors such as hydrolytic enzymes. Candidiasis is diagnosed by microscopic detection, culture media, serology, and molecular fingerprints using either DNA or RNA isolated from the causal pathogen. Candidiasis is treated by many synthetic antifungal agents. The antifungal agents in development are discussed in this review article. The recent prospectives about use of natural extracts as an antifungal agents are also discussed.
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